The National Audit Office has revealed that the project to procure 200 electric buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) could not be implemented within the stipulated timeframe, despite having received Cabinet approval.
This was disclosed in a special audit report concerning the use of electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, the management of these vehicles after their period of use, and their environmental impact. Plans were in place to deploy these 200 electric buses for public transport services within the Colombo Metropolitan Region and the Gampaha District.
The primary objectives of this project were to reduce fuel imports, decrease air pollution, and make public transport more environmentally friendly.
However, the audit revealed that although ten bidders purchased the Request for Proposals (RFP) documents for the procurement of the electric buses, only one bidder submitted a proposal. The audit report further notes that this bidder was disqualified for submitting a fraudulent performance bond.
Consequently, the report states that the procurement process in question was concluded on July 20, 2024.
Furthermore, the audit disclosed that as of October 27, 2025, no necessary steps had been taken to initiate or complete the process of purchasing the electric buses and putting them into operation. The Audit Office further noted that the delay in such projects has also postponed the realization of anticipated economic and environmental benefits, such as the reduction of fuel imports and the mitigation of urban air pollution.